Lola (Franco) Copeland, 87 of East Haven passed away April 20, 2025 after a brief illness. She was born April 4, 1938 in New Haven to John and Elvira (Abate) Franco. She is survived by her three children; Kevin Copeland (Kathleen) of East Haven, Daniel Copeland (Paula Anderson) of Meriden and Jean Copeland of East Haven along with four grandchildren, Monique Costello, Kaitlin Ferrera, Taylor Copeland and James Copeland (Jackie). Lola is also survived by her five great-grandchildren, Alex, Ziyah, Noah, Sofia and Tyson as well as numerous nieces/nephews.
Lola is preceded in death by her parents, husband, James P. Copeland (2020) and two siblings; Evelyn Zvonkovic and Anthony Franco.
A daughter of Italian and Sicilian immigrants, Lola achieved the dream every immigrant parent has for their children, to have a better life. She worked steadily since the age of 16 when her father’s sudden passing forced her to leave high school. After marrying her husband of 59 years, James, they eventually achieved their dream of owning a home and settled in East Haven where they continued raising their family. Lola then went on to complete her high school education, earning her GED in her early 40s.
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Lola retired from the State of CT after 23 years of service at Superior Court in New Haven as a data entry supervisor. She then enjoyed a long retirement of simple pleasures like planting geraniums each spring, lunching with friends, crocheting, and watching crime dramas and ghost exploration shows.
Among the cherished memories she leaves behind will be how, for decades, she dedicated each of her Sundays and holidays to cooking delicious dinners and desserts for her family.
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A private graveside service was held at East Lawn Cemetery in East Haven CT and under the care of the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven.
